⁹ People in all the tribes of Israel began to argue, saying, “The king ·saved [rescued; ^Tdelivered] us from the Philistines and our other enemies, but he ·left [fled] the country because of Absalom. ¹⁰ We ·appointed [anointed] Absalom to rule us, but now he has died in battle. ·We should make [^LWhy do you say nothing about making…?] David the king again.”

¹¹ King David sent a message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, that said, “Speak to the elders of Judah. Say, ‘Even in my house ·I have heard what all the Israelites are saying [the talk of Israel has reached the king]. So why are you the last tribe to bring the king back to his ·palace [^Lhouse; ^Ceven David’s own tribe was wavering in their support]? ¹² You are my ·brothers [relatives; kin], my own ·family [^Lbone and flesh]. Why are you the last tribe to ·bring [welcome] back the king?’ ¹³ And say to Amasa, ‘·You are part of my own family [^LAre you not my bone and flesh?]. May God punish me terribly if I don’t make you commander of the army [^Lfrom now on; for life] in Joab’s place!’”

¹⁴ ·David [or Amasa; ^LHe] ·touched [turned; swayed] the hearts of all the people of Judah ·at once [as one]. They sent a message to the king that said, “Return with all ·your men [^Lwho serve you].” ¹⁵ Then the king returned as far as the Jordan River. The men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and to ·bring [escort] him across the Jordan.